As you would expect 17 weeks into an NFL regular season, injuries will play as big a role as anything else Sunday when the Broncos try to earn their first playoff spot since 2005.

While the Chiefs and the Broncos may be relatively healthy overall — “healthy” always being a relative term in football — they do have some key players hurting that will impact how the game is played.

The Chiefs are expected to be without running back Jackie Battle, who has not practiced because of a foot injury. Battle, who was forced into a more prominent role when Jamaal Charles went on injured reserve back in September, is the Chiefs’ leading rusher with 597 yards.

With Battle out, that will move the Chiefs’ other two running backs with at least 100 carries — Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster — up the ladder.

But Jones is 33 years old and has averaged more than 3 yards a carry in just three games this season. Jones has averaged less than 2 yards a carry in three games as well.

McCluster is a 5-foot-8, 170-pounder who is the Chiefs’ change-of-pace back and isn’t really built for a featured role. Beyond those two, the Chiefs have fullback Le’Ron McClain, who has all of 13 carries this season to go with 14 receptions.

What it means is the Chiefs may be forced into a position to lean on Kyle Orton all the more on offense. Orton has thrown for 299 and 300 yards in the past two games.

The Broncos also figure to play without safety Brian Dawkins, who did not practice again Thursday. Dawkins missed the New England game with a neck injury and left the loss against the Bills early because of the same injury.

Dawkins’ absence would force the Broncos to line up rookie Quinton Carter and David Bruton at the two safety spots, if Bruton’s Achilles injury doesn’t force him to the sideline as well. Carter also left the Buffalo game with what has since been described as a hip injury but has practiced this week.

That combination of events could cause the Chiefs to step things up in the passing game, especially on early downs.

The Chiefs have run about 56 percent of the time on first-and-10 this season. They have run 54 percent of the time on second-and-7 and 55 percent of the time on second-and-8.

Those numbers could tilt a bit given Battle’s injury and the Broncos’ difficulties in the secondary. And with Orton being more comfortable in the offense, the Chiefs could have more of a pass-first attitude.

“We have to be ready for them to come out and throw it if they think they see an opportunity,” said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. “We know that.”

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.